Home :: Epigraphy :: Varieties of Inscriptions :: Tamil - Brahmi Script

Brahmi is the earliest Indian alphabetical script .As per its regional variations, it is identified as Tamil-Brahmi, Asokan-Brahmi, Northern-Brahmi, Southern-Brahmi and Sinhala-Brahmi. All modern Indian scripts are the evolved forms of Brahmi .Tamil- Brahmi inscriptions about 93 in number are found on natural caverns and rock beds in 31 places of Tamil Nadu. Further potteries from excavations, coins, seals and rings collected from river beds also bear the Tamil-Brahmi script. Distribution of Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions cover roughly all parts of Tamil Nadu. Due to overseas trade, few pottery pieces and a touchstone bearing personal names in this script are recently noticed in Egypt and Thailand also.

Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions are classified as Early Tamil-Brahmi and Late Tamil-Brahmi and dated between 3^rd century BCE and 3^rd century CE.

Natural Cavern With Tamil-Brahmi Inscription,
Mamandur, Kanchipuram District

Anaimalai, Madurai District

Rouletted ware (Indian imitation) 
with inscription,
Alagankulam, Ramanathapuram District.
Camutaha

Natural Cavern With Tamil-Brahmi Inscription,
Kudumiyanmalai, Pudukkottai District

2^nd Century CE Tamil-Brahmi Inscription, Anaimalai, Madurai District
Line 1 - Iva kunratu uraiyul patantan eri aritan  – Line 2 - Attuvayi aratta kayipan 

Rock-cavern inscription in Tamil-Brahmi Script, 
1^st Century BCE, Jambai, Tiruvannamalai District Satiyaputo atiyan netuman anci itta pali

Tamil-Brahmi Rock Bed Inscription, 
1^st  century BCE Sittannavasal, 
Pudukkottai District
Eruminatu kumul-ur piranta kavuti-i tenku-cirupocil ilayar ceyta atit-anam

Tamil-Brahmi Rock Bed Inscription, 
2^nd  Century CE. 
Arunattarmalai, Pugalur Near Karur
Line 1 Korrantai (I*) lava (n) 
Line 2 munru

Personal Name in Tamil-Brahmi, 
1^st Century BCE, Silver Ring From Karur  
Peravatan

Black and Red Pottery 
With Tamil-Brahmi Letters ,
1^st century CE Teriruveli, 
Ramanathapuram District Nedunki[li]